Londonderry Middle School is located on Mammoth Road near the High School, Fire Department and Town Hall facilities. The 163,000 square foot building includes a library media center, classrooms, band and chorus rooms, science and computer labs, family and consumer science rooms, industrial arts rooms, cafeteria, gym and a multi-purpose room.

The school is organized into twelve interdisciplinary, heterogeneous teams of up to approximately 125 students, each being taught by a team of teachers (English, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics, Special Education, Health, F.A.C.T.S., Industrial Arts, Computer Education and Art). Reading, World Language, Music and Physical Education teachers are an important adjunct to the team. The diverse talents, skills, learning styles and interests of students at this age level lead to a variety of grouping patterns. The math program groups students by ability levels to enhance students’ chances of success. All other classes are heterogeneously grouped. Differentiated Instruction provides students of all abilities in one classroom with an educational experience that is challenging, yet appropriate. Each student is assigned to an academic skills development section (ASD) that meets Monday and Friday for one half hour. This program is used to review a variety of study skills techniques, as well as assist with strategies for note taking, homework completion, time management and various other strategies needed to be a successful student at LMS. Teams will, on occasion, utilize this time to address a group issue, a team project or to facilitate an upcoming field trip.

The Middle School strives to expose students to a variety of teaching/learning methods by providing academic programs and experiences appropriate to the needs, interests, and abilities of each student.

The Middle School Acceleration Program has three major components: Connected Math, Differentiated Instruction and Advanced Studies.

First level courses are offered to students in grades seven and eight. The learner is exposed to cultural aspects of French and Spanish Speaking countries.

Advanced studies are unique to the Middle School and dovetail nicely into the existing middle school in terms of philosophy and physical structure. Our three special curriculum teachers provide curriculum design and instruction for students as identified by classroom teachers.

General music is for students to explore music in a non-performing environment. This course is designed to enhance music appreciation through studies of musical styles, music theory and music history. Students involved in performing ensembles participate in school-sponsored concerts and festivals. Performance opportunities exist with: Chorus, Select Chorus, Introduction to Orchestral Strings, Band, Jazz Band, and Orchestra.

The special education program is designed to meet the individual needs of students identified as having specific learning disabilities. Londonderry Middle School is fortunate to have a variety of programs.

The Londonderry School District Counseling Program mission, in cooperation with family, community and school, advocates for and promotes the educational, personal, social and career development of students. Counselors are trained and skilled in helping students confront and resolve difficulties or conflicts.

The Library Media Center provides a comprehensive collection of resources to support the curriculum, to promote an appreciation of reading, and to develop information literacy skills. Additionally, the Library Media Specialists work collaboratively with teachers to develop projects that reinforce these skills. As of 6/30/09, the collection includes: 24,024 circulating items; 1,878 reference volumes; six electronic data base subscription services along with two internet based research tools, and 55 periodical subscriptions. Presently, there are 24 computers available to support teaching and learning as well as a variety of other audio-visual and technology resources.

There are three Computer Education Labs, one Curriculum Labs and two mobile computer labs that are available for teachers to use in the classrooms. In addition, computers are important tools in such specialty areas as special education, technology education and the library media center. Computers are also placed in team areas and individual classrooms. Three mobile NEO Labs, one for each grade level, are available for classroom use. The addition of Distance Education Technology helps to expand student learning beyond the confines of the school.

The goal of the Physical Education Department at Londonderry Middle School is to develop the whole individual. Activities include team, individual and dual sports, adventure activities, and fitness programs. Twenty-three teams participate in the Tri-County League. In addition, LMS has boys and girls cross country, boys and girls track and field, co-ed volleyball, wrestling and golf. More than 550 students participate on these teams. More than 500 students participate in twenty-three active co-curricular clubs including Drama, World Language Clubs, Reading Club, Health and Wellness, Student Council, Art Club, Boys and Girls Respect Clubs, Yearbook, and others.

The school’s active and supportive PTO has been awarded the Blue Ribbon School Achievement for an outstanding volunteer program.

Londonderry Middle School was originally constructed as a junior high school in 1982. In 1997/98, a large addition was added to the school to accommodate sixth grade students in a move to a middle school philosophy in the Londonderry School District.

Business is Good.

This article originally appeared in the Union Leader and has been republished here with permission. La Carreta taking over former Whippersnappers space in Londonderry By Eli Okun Union Leader Correspondent LONDONDERRY — La Carreta Mexican Restaurant signed a lease this week to take over the former Whippersnappers location, bringing their popular brand of sit-down, […]